Journaling on estrip is easy and free. sign up here

Chico's Journal

chico
My Podcast Link

07/30/2009 16:15 #49418

A Real Clunker
Category: rant
Mike Niman writes in this week's Artvoice about the cash for clunkers program and manages to capture some of my complaints about it (while also using a deeply flawed extended example from Cuba...).

His column is titled, "Landfilling old gas-guzzlers for new gas-guzzlers isn't green-it's a subsidy" -- and it's worth readingin its entirety. Here are some excerpts:

Let's be honest and get one simple fact straight. The Obama administration's "Cash for Clunkers" program is a $1 billion subsidy to the auto industry. We can debate whether or not that's a good thing and how it will or won't help pull us out of our economic morass. But let's not make believe this is about protecting the environment.


...

Putting more people in busses and subways, not crushing 16-miles-per-gallon clunkers and replacing them with 18-miles-per-gallon clunkers, is the real green solution. In this light, the billion dollars that the Obama administration plans to spend subsidizing the purchase of personal automobiles is a billion dollars not spent on mass transportation infrastructure or operations.



The Cash for Clunkers program also really doesn't address the smog issue, since you can only trade in a vehicle that is 25 years old or newer. Hence, all the clunkers will already be equipped with catalytic converters and will be relatively clean. The oldest of these cars, whose pollution control systems have already failed, will stay on the road, since their poorer owners will not be able to afford new cars, even with the cash incentive. If smog was the issue, some of the clunker cash could have been better spent as grants to repair anti-pollution systems on cars whose owners could not otherwise maintain them.



And my personal favorite rant that I've been going on for weeks now:

... the Cash for Clunkers program... rewards past irresponsible, and dare we say, anti-social behavior. If you bought a gas-guzzling SUV, say, 10 years ago, when it didn't take an Einstein to figure out the environmental footprint of such a pig, you now get up to $4,500 dollars as an unearned reward.

The more selfish you were back then, and hence, the lower the miles-per-gallon rating on your clunker, the more selfish you can be today, with your new clunker only having to best your old clunker's lousy fuel efficiency by two to five miles per gallon. Hence you can trade in your used 16-miles-per-gallon vehicle for a new 18-miles-per-gallon SUV and get $3,500, or best your old pickup by two miles per gallon for a $4,500 windfall. If, by comparison, you shopped responsibly 10 years ago and bought, say, a 35-miles-per-gallon Ford Focus, and you now want to trade up to a 50-miles-per-gallon car, there's nothing here for you, since the program only buys cars getting less than 18 miles per gallon-and that new car will cost a few grand more due to all the clunker cash flowing into the new car market.


Finally, why the program discriminates against the poor:

This program only benefits those who can afford a new car. And it hurts those who can't, since the crushing of hundreds of thousands of perfectly good used cars will tighten the bottom end of the used car market, causing prices to rise. Hence, the oldest and dirtiest cars will have to stay on the road a bit longer since their owners can't afford to replace their 20-year-old car with a 10-year-old model.



The influx of all this clunker cash into the new car market will also cause prices to rise as the market heats up with more new car buyers. Hence, where automakers were offering deep discounts to lure consumers into showrooms, they now can simply advertise that they'll give you $4,500 of the government's money for your junker-and ditch the deep discounts. In this scenario, the Cash for Clunkers program becomes a direct subsidy to automakers who can now sell cars at higher prices to newly cash-rich buyers. Again, if you never bought a gas-guzzler in the first place, this gravy train ain't for you, and all you get is higher new car prices.



Cars are like anything else. Throwing away usable things so you can replace them with new "green" products isn't green. It's just a way for you to feel good about being a consumer at a time when the world can no longer afford consumerism. Only now, the government will pay you to consume, and bless your new gas-guzzler with a green aura.



Amen, brother.

Sorry if this offends. I don't begrudge anyone who has decided to take advantage of the program. At the same time, I don't have to like the program itself.

image
chico - 07/31/09 13:28
I know! I can't believe they've run out of money already. But it's not really a moot point, since the government is considering using stimulus money to keep the program going (see next post)...
hodown - 07/31/09 10:28
If the plan works or doesn't is pointless now. The program was suspensed today because the 1 Billion that Obmam funded it with has now run out!
jbeatty - 07/30/09 22:13
Wow, I had no idea how the program actually worked. Sounds like a really stupid plan. I have pretty much had it with the government pumping money into defunct industries. I say let them fail. Start investing public funds into solutions and not another band-aid program so shitty companies can keep operating. I really cannot stand politicians anymore. I'm tired of how they spend our money.
jason - 07/30/09 17:01
What is mind boggling to me about the plan is that it doesn't take a good opportunity to use incentives to promote the "desired" behavior. I would be for a program that only gave money towards a more fuel efficient car. I think people would take it. That's what I thought would happen. That it isn't is a huge disappointment.

Other than that, I don't have too many kind things to say about Niman or his sentiments so I'll be charitable and stop after this: People who purchase legal, legitimate and safe transportation aren't selfish or anti-social. That kind of hyperbole is a staple. Precious.

It seems to me, bottom line, the program was poorly planned and implemented. I want my $1B back, don't you?
tinypliny - 07/30/09 16:39
This is such an atrocious plan. Where is Obama's shiny new science advisor "scientist"???! Is he dozing in senility under his table? COME ON! Who funds even more car buying and declares its a green plan??

The Obama golden and wise image is just taking hit upon hit. (And the opposition is in its self-dug ditch anyway) So basically, this reaffirms that all politicians are scum of the earth - whether they be Obama or Bush. They don't really care about the poor or mass transit because its actually the oil companies and the shoddy car industry (owned by the oil companies) that run this country.

07/23/2009 22:35 #49365

grrr...stupid weather, stupid Buffalo Pl
Am angry that Buffalo Place canceled the Neko Case with Jason Lytle Thursday in the Square tonight! Naturally there was no rain or thunderstorms between 5:30 and 9:00 pm, precisely when the concert should have gone on. Periods of sunshine, even... so disappointing.

In other, better news, Social Distortion at Town Ballroom on Sunday 4 October. Mike Ness = good stuff.


metalpeter - 07/25/09 10:07
Well to say you where a Jerk is a bit of a stretch I saw you but wasn't sure if it was you, hey it has been some time and clean shaven vs. Full beard through me a bit, by the time I thought then thought to say anything it was to late. But that brings up another point What is your view on people preaching on that corner? Also I was a little bit annoyed since they came over and tried to hand out there little books. Hey if I want them I'll come find you on the corner with that huge sign and the guy playing music don't push your stuff on me when I'm waiting on a bus. I'm glad you are blogging again and I hope you keep it up. Hey maybe I'll see you around someplace.
lauren - 07/24/09 22:53
thanks for the info...sounds perfect except for the whole November thing. We have already told our neighbor she can have our place starting September, so that's when we are going to need a place. Thanks anyway though!
chico - 07/24/09 21:14
hey (e:metalpeter) and (e:lauren), thanks for your shout-outs...alive and well and still in Allentown. 'peter, yeah it was me, I thought I spotted you there by the bus stop but we were in a hurry and I was kind of a jerk for passing you by and not saying hello. Sorry about that, man. (e:Lauren), I see you from afar on Elmwood every once in a while hope everything's OK by you and (e:Felly). Hope to see you both and the rest of the crew sometime soon. Cheers!
metalpeter - 07/24/09 19:41
I thought I saw you at the Italian Fest but not sure if it was you or not. Glad to see you are posting again. I'm surprised they canceled but I guess with loud music you might not see thunder and lighting till it was to late.
lauren - 07/24/09 11:06
you're alive! was actually thinking about you the other day and wondered where you had gone off to...

10/24/2008 17:22 #46307

Belated B-day, Belated Post
Hi everyone, long time no talk/post/read, apologies, hope all is well or that you are hanging in there at the very least.

Hi to (e:matthew) -- spotted you at the gym but too late to say hi before you ran off. Ditto to (e:libertad).

Also, a special shout-out to chica who is treating me to a belated birthday dinner tonight -- can't wait, it will be fun. I've never been to DiGiulio's before but I hear good things.

Have a great weekend (e:strip)pers one and all!

Chico
metalpeter - 10/24/08 18:48
Hope it is a good time
terry - 10/24/08 18:13
opps...that was me , (e:matthew), writing logged in as (e:terry). sorry about that.
terry - 10/24/08 18:12
Hi (e:chico)! I can't say i love the gym, so i run out of there as fast as i possibly can!! :) It's the running away from the gym that's my real workout! :)
tinypliny - 10/24/08 17:28
Hope you have an awesome year ahead! Would you be dropping by at the party? :)

03/23/2009 16:54 #48166

War Child, plus four
Category: music
In keeping with (e:MrMike,48125) I'm wondering about influential records -- not necessarily autobiographical, but what are you listening to these days? Like, what are your current top 5 records/CDs?

So, at the risk of starting one of these threads where everyone bashes everyone else's muscial tastes...

I've been listening to (in no particular order):

1. The new Morrissey record, "Years of Refusal" (great show last week too)

2. The most recent Death Cab for Cutie record, "Narrow Stairs"

3. The new Franz Ferdinand CD "Tonight" (unfortunately narrowly missed these guys in London....grr)

4. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Fever to Tell"

5. War Child presents "Heroes"

image

The fifth one is a compilation of songs--all remakes--sold (apparently) to benefit children in war-torn countries. The original artists, who are iconic rock artists, choose a performer or band from "the younger generation" to remake one of their classic songs. Beck does a fantastic version of Dylan's "Brand New Leopardskin Pillbox Hat," Hot Chip does a groovy take on Joy Division's "Transmission," The Hold Steady does their best impersonation of the Boss on "Atlantic City," Franz Ferdinand does a great version of Blondie's "Call Me," TV on the Radio reinterprets Bowie's "Heroes," etc. Lily Allen and Mick Jones's remake of the Clash's "Straight to Hell" has been stuck in my head for two weeks. There's other great stuff on there too (complete list of tracks here: ). Highly recommended!

So, what are you listening to? What are your current Top Five?


jenks - 07/23/09 22:51
Hmm, i seem to have missed the post at the time you wrote it... I got the War Child compilation a while ago- definitely cool.

And I just got Rules by The Whitest Boy Alive- I loooove it.

And a single by Owl City (fireflies) [actually it was the itunes 'free song of the week']. it's a little cheesy and bubblegum-y, but it reminds me of death cab and I really like it.
jbeatty - 03/23/09 20:23
Current top five on no particular order:

Radiohead: In Rainbows

Stereolab: Chemical Chords

The Evens: The Evens

Devotchka: A Mad and Faithful Telling

The Jazz Mandolin Project: The Jazz Mandolin Project
tinypliny - 03/23/09 20:14
I like Death Cab for Cutie.

08/27/2008 10:12 #45468

jbeatty's Omnivore 100
Category: food
Thanks (e:jbeatty,45440) for providing this fun time-waster... it's making me hungry...

Incidentally I just read Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma. Great book. As a result of reading it I am really trying hard to buy locally grown, organic foods. Years of buying cheap, industrially produced food makes it awfully hard to pay 50 percent to 300 percent more for the good stuff, but having read the book in its entirety, it's hard to go back to the old way.

My VGT Omnivore's Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile/ Alligator (as jerky)
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich

14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream

21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float

36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat

42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat's milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth $120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut

50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald's Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV

59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S'mores

62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs' legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette (I think-in Korean soup)
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill (depends)
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini

81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare (if you mean rabbit, yes)
87. Goulash

88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab

93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee

100. Snake

Wow! I'm just short of the halfway point. I'm looking at this as a glass half-full, though -- so many exciting things left to try!

Couldn't help but notice that there's no Ethiopian/Eritrean food on the list... if you're using these lists for inspiration, try a stewed meat flavored with berbere. Beg wat (lamb or goat) is particularly savory and delicious; mesir wat (lentils) is a good vegetarian option.

Also, no fine (traditional) wine on the list!

carolinian - 08/28/08 12:19
I too avoid condiments, as many (such as mayonnaise) I find taste absolutely disgusting and they tend to wreck the taste and texture of the food they're put on. Which is why I've never had a big mac, either.
chico - 08/28/08 12:05
I know, I know, can you believe it? No Big Mac. And now I am (mostly) anti-fast food (I admit my own double standards, I haven't been able to completely kick the Dunkin Donuts habit yet.)

When I was a kid I was a very picky eater and I avoided the sandwiches loaded with condiments. (Still do.) I'm kinda weird that way.

And, it was great meeting you too, (e:drew) and (e:janelle). Hope to see you again soon! Go Pens! -(e:chico)
drew - 08/27/08 11:14
never tried the Big Mac? Really?

I can understand why it should be avoided, but I thought everybody that ate meat has had it at least once--maybe in their "less enlightened" days.

fun fact: the Big Mac was invented in Pittsburgh (ok, it's only fun for me, but so what?)

also, it was nice to meet you at the EAFA.